Scott Atchison is the odd-man out. Wheeler signs in Cleveland

With the 40-man roster full and Cody Ross waiting in the wings, the Red Sox had a decision to make in order to make room for the new outfielder.  Either a trade was forthcoming or someone off the roster would be designated for assignment.  Today we found out that relief pitcher, Scott Atchison is the player who is the odd man out and was in fact designated for assignment.

Atchison, 35, pitched in 30.1 innings for the Red Sox in 2011, posting an ERA of 3.26, a 5.0 K/9 and a 1.8 BB/9 ratio.  Decent numbers for a middle to long relief type of guy.  He spent more time in AAA last year where he worked in 61.1 innings.

In other news related to the Olde Towne Team, former reliever, Dan Wheeler signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians. Wheeler spent just one season in Boston after signing with the team last off season as a free-agent.  He came from the Tampa Bay Rays but failed to live up to the same level of pitching that he produced for the Rays. Something about players coming from Tampa to Boston that don’t meet expectations that is becoming common.

The Red Sox declined to pick up Wheeler’s option but did offer him arbitration.  Wheeler declined offer that was guaranteed money and now he has to earn his way on to the roster in Cleveland.  He made $3 million in 2011 with the Red Sox.  I wonder if he’s regretting that decision?

Because Wheeler didn’t sign a Major League contract, the Red Sox will not receive a compensatory draft-pick (courtesy of Alex Speier of WEEI.com).

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